Max Verstappen opens up on 'shitty situation' affecting race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase

Max Verstappen has given a candid and empathetic insight into the difficult personal circumstances that forced his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, to miss races during the 2025 season, describing it as a "shitty situation." The Red Bull driver revealed his attempts to support Lambiase, who juggles his high-pressure role with challenging personal responsibilities at home.

Why it matters:

The driver-engineer relationship is one of the most critical and intense partnerships in Formula 1. Verstappen and 'GP' have formed one of the sport's most iconic duos, and any disruption—especially one stemming from personal hardship—highlights the immense human pressure behind the technical spectacle. Verstappen's public acknowledgment sheds light on the often-overlooked personal sacrifices and emotional toll faced by team members.

The details:

• Lambiase, who is also Red Bull's head of racing and head of track engineering, was forced to miss the Austrian and Belgian Grands Prix in 2025 due to personal circumstances, with Simon Rennie stepping in.
• Verstappen admitted he initially didn't fully grasp how difficult it was for Lambiase to perform his job while managing his home life, calling it "very hard to describe."
• The three-time champion described the emotional conflict, noting that after a tough weekend, Lambiase would likely think, "'Fuck off with Formula 1 for a while,'" before having to return to his personal situation.
• Verstappen and his father, Jos, have spoken with Lambiase privately, with Max offering practical support: "I asked: 'Do you need anything? If you need something, say so, and then we'll try to arrange it.' Anything needed can be arranged."
• After the final race, Verstappen witnessed Lambiase in tears on the pit wall but was unable to reach him through the post-race chaos to offer comfort, noting Lambiase "always takes it very personally that we didn't win."

The big picture:

Verstappen's reflection underscores a profound mutual respect and understanding that has been built over nearly a decade of partnership. It moves beyond the sometimes-testy radio exchanges heard during broadcasts to reveal a foundation of deep loyalty. This glimpse into their dynamic reinforces that the team's success is built not just on car performance but on resilient human relationships that withstand immense professional and personal pressure.